When you have a large family living under one roof, the hustle and bustle of daily life can put strain on your plumbing system, especially in your kitchen. It may seem like there is always someone cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes in the kitchen. This can lead to drain clogs, leaking pipes, and other issues. Our team at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical can help you protect your Denver, CO plumbing system with these helpful kitchen tips.
Understanding the Basics of Kitchen Plumbing
To protect your kitchen plumbing, you need to understand how it’s set up. The sink and faucet are the two most used fixtures in this space. They’re used for cleaning produce, preparing food, and washing dishes. You likely have a garbage disposal to help grind up food waste for easier drainage. A dishwasher is an essential item for large families, taking away some of the burden of dishwashing.
At a more in-depth level, you have water supply lines that run to your sink, dishwasher, and potentially a drinking water system. Drainpipes will move wastewater to your sewer or septic system. In the case of a plumbing emergency, know where your main shut-off valves are located. Stopping the flow of water to your kitchen can protect your home from damage.
Avoiding Kitchen Drain Clogs
It’s important to pay attention to what’s going down your drains. Food waste, oils, grease, bones, and other debris can quickly lead to clogs. When a clog is extensive, it can cause strain on pipes, leading to leaks.
Use sink strainers to catch items before they go down the drain. Also, wipe leftover food off plates into the garbage before washing them. You can also collect food waste and use it in a compost bin.
When you’re cleaning up, avoid putting any kind of oils or grease down your drains. Grease may make it down your pipes a little way before solidifying. As other debris goes down, a clog can quickly form. Instead, dispose of grease and oils in the garbage. This is also a good way to reduce the strain on your garbage disposal and dishwasher, preventing repairs.
Make sure that you run hot water through your drain after doing dishes or cleaning your kitchen area. The goal is to flush out any soap, oils, or residues and maintain clear drains.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a convenient device, but it can easily become overwhelmed by large families. Always run cold water through your disposal before and after using it. Only allow small amounts of waste to go through. If you overload it, damage can occur to the disposal or lead to clogs. Never put starchy foods, fibrous foods, bones, or coffee grounds down your disposal.
Reach out to our team if you notice anything wrong with your garbage disposal or drains. This includes abnormal noises and smells, needing to frequently reset your disposal, or having backups.
Don’t Forget About Your Dishwasher
You’re likely using your dishwasher at least once daily if you have a large family. A dishwasher is a convenient appliance to have on hand, but it requires maintenance and proper drainage. Make sure that you’re cleaning your dishwasher’s filter once per week. This prevents clogs and backups inside your unit. You can run an empty cycle using vinegar to remove mineral deposits and grime. There are also products you can buy that help deep clean your dishwasher.
Have a professional plumber inspect your dishwasher hoses for signs of cracks or leaks. A slow drip underneath your unit can quickly lead to mold growth without you knowing it. You should also reach out to a professional if you notice standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher. You may have a clog that needs removal.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Fixtures
As your family grows, you should consider making kitchen upgrades to make your life easier and more efficient. You may have old fixtures that aren’t keeping up with your hectic lifestyle. High-efficiency faucets often use specific aerators to control the flow of water. You can reduce your consumption and lower your monthly utility bills. Touchless faucets are a great convenience that supports hygiene.
Monitor Your Water Usage
Every time you receive a water bill, evaluate the amount of water your family used that cycle. You shouldn’t see much of an increase from one billing cycle to another. If you see a steady incline, consider scheduling a routine plumbing inspection. We can help determine if there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system that requires repair.
You can also check your water meter to learn more. If all the water in your home is off but you see the meter moving, there is a leak coming from somewhere in your residence.
Consider Your Water Pressure
If the pressure of your water is too high, this can lead to pipe and appliance damage. Too little pressure can lead to inefficient use of your kitchen. Use a pressure gauge on your kitchen faucet. The ideal range for a kitchen area is 40 to 60 psi. We can install a pressure regulator to stabilize the flow of water in your kitchen. If you frequently experience the sound of banging in your kitchen pipes, a water hammer arrestor may be a smart upgrade.
Schedule a Preventive Drain Cleaning
We recommend that you have a professional drain cleaning performed once per year. The need may be more frequent in homes with large families. Even with the best kitchen practices in place, pipes can narrow due to an accumulation of soap scum and grime. If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate. Don’t use a store-bought chemical drain cleaner to keep pipes clear. Even if they work at first, they can damage pipes very quickly. Caustic chemicals in these products can also cause health issues.
Be Ready for Kitchen Plumbing Emergencies
When you have a large family, it’s not convenient to lose use of your kitchen for any length of time. Having a plan in place that can get your plumbing system back up and running is ideal. Have a dedicated plunger on hand to help remove minor clogs. Baking soda and vinegar can also help clear drains. Keep our contact information available if you need professional support promptly.
Don’t Forget About Your Hot Water Heater
Hot water is a necessity in your kitchen. Keep up with the annual routine maintenance of your water heater. This includes draining and flushing of the tank and inspecting components like the heating elements and anode rod.
If you would like support with your kitchen plumbing, our team at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help. We can assist your large family with routine plumbing maintenance and perform prompt emergency repairs. Contact us at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical for kitchen plumbing support in Denver today.
